CMT and Physical Therapy Training Resource

A couple of years ago, I was referred for physical therapy. Although my therapist was very knowledgeable and helpful, his experience with Charcot Marie Tooth was very limited.

Because this disease is relatively rare, many physical therapists do not have much hands-on training or experience working with patients with Charcot Marie Tooth. The Charcot Marie Tooth Association (CMTA) and Physiotherapy Associates, Inc. (PTA) have collaborated to provide a resource for physical therapists and their patients.

A clinician education video titled CMT Introductory Assessment has been developed for physical therapists. Currently available at no charge on the CMTA website (see Resources below for the web address), this video can be accessed by physical therapists wishing to learn more about CMT, and how to appropriately assess individuals and develop treatment programs for individuals with CMT.

Individuals with CMT can also access this video, and may want provide this link to their physical therapists. Individuals with CMT will also benefit from viewing this video to increase their own knowledge.

Physiotherapy Associates, Inc. offers physical therapy, occupational therapists, and prosthetic and orthotic services across the United States. This organization has committed to train 55 of their licensed clinicians specifically in assessing and treating individuals with Charcot Marie Tooth. The website for PTA (see Resources below for web address) includes a directory of their clinics.

Physiotherapy Associates, Inc. has started training clinicians with this first video. The Charcot Marie Tooth Association and PTA have arranged to develop further training videos in a variety of areas related to providing clinical services to individuals with Charcot Marie Tooth. PTA will be furthering the training of designated clinicians within their organization as new training modules are developed in partnership with the CMTA. Watch the CMTA website for information as new training videos become available.

When I received physical therapy services a couple of years ago, this resource was not yet available to my physical therapist or me. If I receive another referral for physical future services in the future, I will have the resources to make sure that I receive services from a therapist with training about the assessment and treatment of individuals with CMT.